[2025] A roundup of cool Western songs that get the crowd going at karaoke

Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

Carly Rae Jepsen’s classic “Call Me Maybe,” released in 2012, catapulted her to global fame.

The charm of the song lies above all in its catchy musicality.

It’s an accessible pop tune with a great groove, so it’s sure to be a hit at karaoke.

Also, since the twist is that the person she likes turns out to be gay, it might be fun to share that bit of trivia as well.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” is a true karaoke staple among Western songs, having even appeared in DAM and JOYSOUND monthly and weekly rankings.

Because it’s so well-known, it’s great for getting everyone singing along—especially in the chorus.

It’s heavy rock, but the tempo isn’t that fast, so even if you’re not confident in English, you’ll likely be able to sing it soon by practicing in a few parts.

The music video is cool too, so if possible, it’d be fun to hype things up with the official footage playing!

High EnoughDamn Yankees

Damn Yankees – High Enough (Official Music Video)

Damn Yankees are a supergroup made up of members who had already made their mark on the music scene.

Their signature song “High Enough” was released in 1990.

In Japan, some may know it from being used in a Levi’s commercial.

Set to a slow, unfolding band arrangement, their rich vocal harmonies shine through.

It’s a great song to sing together at the end of a karaoke session to lift the mood.

The passionate band performance and soaring high notes really resonate.

Why not try singing this straightforward love song, which speaks directly to someone you love?

Stand By MeBen E. King

Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Audio)

If you want to try singing Western songs at karaoke but don’t feel confident yet, I recommend “Stand By Me.” Released in 1961, it became famous for being featured in the film Stand by Me.

It’s been used in many commercials in Japan and is loved across eras and borders.

The lyrics carry a simple yet powerful message, and with relatively few phrases, it’s easy even for karaoke beginners to sing.

If you’re confident in your vocal power, adding dynamics is also recommended!

Blinding LightsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights (Official Video)

The Weeknd is a singer-songwriter who has collaborated with globally renowned artists such as Kendrick Lamar.

Among his songs, the one that really energizes a karaoke session is “Blinding Lights,” released in 2019.

It features retro synth tones reminiscent of 1980s electronic music.

Try delivering a dynamic, well-accented vocal performance to match the exhilarating beat.

The track is packed with a contemporary charm that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Why not take on some Western pop to brighten up the karaoke room?

Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2”)Idina Menzel, AURORA

Idina Menzel, AURORA – Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2″/Lyric Video)

This is the theme song from Disney’s Frozen 2, known in Japanese as Ana to Yuki no Joou 2.

The first film was a mega-hit and even became a social phenomenon, and this one is also wonderfully done.

There’s no doubt it will become a very handy go-to in karaoke.

The real highlight of this song is that chorus-like section with a strong impression—whether you can sing that part coolly is what makes or breaks it!

Open ArmsJourney

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)

Journey’s signature song “Open Arms” has produced numerous hits.

It’s famous not only in Japan but overseas as well, with Boyz II Men among those who have covered it.

While the pronunciation is straightforward, the song spans a wide vocal range and demands strong expressiveness, making it suitable for advanced singers.

If you’re looking to improve your technique, definitely give it a try.